Highway marker



Sept. 23, 1941 G. R. ABBOTT 2,256,636

HIGHWAY MARKER Filed April 23, 1940 2 sheets-sheet 1 SePt- 23, 19641- G. R. BBOTT 2,256,636

HIGHWAY MARKER Filed April 23, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 WLF: 291x: u M94 /Uz u @M55/v FHA/00L .DH/455077:

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Patented Sept. 23, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT-orties Application April 23, 1940, Serial N0. 331,260

(Cl. llll-125) 4 Claims.V

This invention refers to traffic or highway equipment and more particularly to road markers or safety signal devices. It has among its objects to provide markers or signals of this type that can be illuminated and made distinct and understandable at night by the conventional headlight lighting of motor vehicles; that can be readily run over by the vehicles without damage to the markers or the vehicles or materially aifect the rate of traiiic; that can be readilyinstalled on the highway or location selected without obstructing same; that can be readily inspected and repaired; that can have their parts separable and interchangeable; that will be relatively inexpensive to make and simple to install yet rugged and substantial for the stresses they undergo. A further object is to have the device suitable for effectively marking danger spots and made placeable in the roadway directly, where the autoist cannot miss seeing them. Another object is to have the parts self-locking together so as to be tightly assembled when in their proper places, and to have the body portion of the devices locked securely to the roadway material to render it immovable under normal traffic situations. Still another object is to have a marker or signal of this type that will conspicuously reilect the daylight as well as headlight lighting and aord a conspicuous and easily read signal for day and night purposes by the oncoming traveler. It is particularly sought to provide a potential signal that will not require moving parts or internal lighting. It is also an object to have means for reflecting external light sources in a positive and effective manner.

Other objects will become apparent as the invention is more fully set forth.

The devices conventionally used for marking dangerous locations on the highway., for the information of the motor vehicle users and drivers, consist of plain markers placed at the side of the highway and constructed of metal. Sometimes reector signs are used at the side of the road but are out of line of sight of the autoist and are frequently unobserved by the latter as they pass by. Sometimes small cast iron devices with marbles of glass are used on the line between lanes of traffic and while of considerable value at night are only partly eiicient. These devices are limited in their utility and reflect light more or less spasmodically. They have not been considered essential to the conventional highway. In this invention,v the devices consist in general of two primary parts, therlrst being a base or foundation of metal or suitable material, cast, stamped or otherwise produced, while the second is the reflecting portion consisting of glass, plastic or other reflecting material that is naturally able to reiiect light conspiciously and withstand usual weather and practical conditions. The units of glass or reilecting material used in this device are tted to wedge-lock in position and designed with saw-tooth form adapted to present themselves to the light at an angle that will reect it most effectively to the users of the highway. The invention is placed in the highway lane so as to be unavoidably conspicuous and noticeable. Lettering and signals to suit may be arranged thereon so they will be interpreted accurately and quickly. The scope of the field of use of the devices is much more extensive than is anticipated by other means in the form of highway markers or signals now in use.l The glass reflecting units afford the most effective arrangement for autoists to read since they are designed with ridged outlines that intercept and reilect thelight to the oncoming vehicles at the most effective and desirable angle. The usual marker is placed in a more or less temporary manner on or near the highway, whereas in this invention, means are provided to tie the signals, as they are called, in a vpermanent and ystable manner thereto. A feature of considerable importance is in the fact that vehicles may run over the signals without injury to them, something that cannot be done to the conventional marker. The latter also is not built with any effective instructional design. n This invention affords a practical way of providing route numbers for highways Where they can be definitely seen and appreciated. The usual route numbers are provided at `the side of the road on posts and are frequently obstructed and overlooked, to the inconvenience of the tourist. Using this invention in the manner described, the possibility of missing the signal is exceptionally remote. In addition the signals in this invention are self cleaning. They are developed to anticipate many conditions of the weather and road situations, so.v they will withstand them in a practical manner.

In the drawings which illustrate an example of the invention: Y.

Figure lis a plan view of a highway signal device embodying this invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional elevation of Figure 1 on line 2 2 of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the base of the signal device shown in Figure ,1, with the insertable symbol units removed;

Figure 4 isa sectional elevation of lligure 3 on line A4--Al thereof;

Figure 5 is a perspective detail of an insertable symbol unit removed from the base;

Figure 6 is a detail in perspective of the holding block used for holding the symbol units .in place on the base;

Figure '7 is av plan view of a modiiied form of I signal device embodying the same invention; Figure 8 is a side elevation of Figure 7;

' manner.

or traveller approaching same.

right portions of the stepped structure of these units are disposed at a'slight angle to the vertical to render them more suitable for their Figure 13 is another modified form of the in-VVV Y vention in plan View;

Figure 14 is a sectional detail through Figure 13 on line l4--l4Y of Figure 1'3 with the parts separated to indicate their construction and functions more fully; and

Figure shows the outline of a highway with the various signals placed in ordinary working positions thereon.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the drawings. i

AIn.the drawings, and Figures l to 6 inclusive the reference character l, represents the base element of a highway signal device. This base preferably has its under surface 2 planed smooth to rest on the highway in asuitable manner.

The use of anchors 3 under the base serveto y hold them in proper position on the highway. In .addition a central raised hump I4 having a countersunk hole 4 is provided in the bevelled humpand base, through which a bolt 5 is passed necessary, to the highway. The sides 6 of the block are converged and bevelled slightly inwardly and serve to lock the insertable symbol units 1 on thebase. The sides 8 of the units are ex- The protuberances have their external surfaces preferably smooth, to render the symbols on the units beside them more conspicuous. The hump serves to keep the block above the upper surface of the base and position it more suitably with regard to the inserted units.

In the modified forms indicated in Figures 7 to 12 inclusive, the base 2l is likewise smooth on its under surface 22 and is provided with anchors 23. for holding bolts. AThe front portion is primarily intended for the signal portion and benet of oncoming traflicand for that reason is shown with its symbol units 21 facing that way. The base has its front portions 26 protruding above the general level of the base and contoured on an easy running slopein cooperative alignment with the units. These portions are recessed at 28 for insertion Vofthe symbol units 21. The

floor 29 of the base is partially angular to assist in placing and removing the units. Partitions '49 divide the space between theside portions Y v of the` base and with theirA converging walls 49,

kto secure the holding block I5 thereto, and if ternally bevelled to cooperate and wedge in the sides 6. A series of protuberances l0 are mounted on the upper surface 9-of the base and designed to vsecurely hold the units within their recessed sides Il and aligned therewith as indicated. The spaces between the protuberances f are tapered to conform with the tapered structure of the units. This form together with that of the undercut sides forms a wedgelike arrangement for holding the units securely and tightly between the protuberances. tour. of the protuberances and the symbol units align generally with each other and form a gentleslope for a vehicle to ride over easily and without appreciable jolt. The block has its up- 'I'he external con- Y persurface .formed to cooperate with the slope ofthe protuberances and units. The units are preferably made of glass or materials recently Vdeveloped lin the plastic line of a transparent and light transmitting nature. The sides and bottom of the units are relatively smooth while their external contours are arranged with a series of steps I2 or in sawtoothed form, suitablefor reflecting light at anangle to the highway, so as to reach the eyes of autoists inra noticeable These steps may be in the form of letters, figures, or other suitable Vsymbols or collored to call the attention of the observer to its particular significance, in each specific instance. Letters and other symbols are indicated in other figures of the drawings, as an illustration ofthe practice. l

The round circular formV of signal device is of particular value where intersections in the highway occur. The saw-toothed contours are formed into arrows or numbers or other information suitable for the guidance of the autoist At night the headlights of the automobiles shine on the saw toothed constructionV and make their reiiections come back to the driver approaching it, for his guidance and information. Thevertical or'uping lanes of traiiic from each other.

arranged to receive and hold the converging walls 20 of the units 21. The units and the walls about the recesses 2,8 are slightly bevelled to enable Y The them to wedge tightly into one another, bottoms of each are wider than the top surfaces and openings respectively. This arrangement causes the wall surfaces of the partitions having therecesses kto bind in wedge-like manner on the bevelled .surfaces of the units. The partitions 48, between the recesses 28 extend vertically up.-

wards from the floor 29 of the base and are undercut or dovetailed, as indicated in dotted outline on Figure 9. 'I'heundercutting is back from the vertical so as to bind the symbol reflecting units when they are pushed in from the front of the recess into same. The-units are of saw toothed contour asindicated and have their surfaces formed to indicate letters, figures or other selected symbols21. the front and have to be inserted from the back and shoved forward, inY order to fit in properly. The bevelled sides of both units and recessed walls 28 t closely together.v v

` The back lockingmember 3i) extends across theY rear of the base and is preferably of the form indicated. Its thickness conforms with that of the projecting portions of the letter units above the base towards the front. The base is thicker to provide the recesses in which the symbol units rest and to bring the member `3l) against the back of the symbol units to lock them in place. The member 30 is provided with holes 3l which align with the holes 24 in the base and permit bolts to be inserted for drawing both ytightly together, and thereby locking the symbol units rigidly. Thecontours of units, member, and base are aligned and `made to suit the vehicles riding over the same and traffic conditions. The units in this instance are made preferably of transparent or reflecting material to reflect the light back tothe travellers coming along the highway. This form is suitable for the larger signals requiring more symbol units.

In the form indicated inrFigures 13 and 14, the symbol units are arranged for reflection and to signal in either direction or are suitable for dividk In general structure, thei7 are made like the previous It has holes 24 passing through it- The units are tapered to forms, and their symbol units 3l are mounted on the base 39, and held in position by the projecting side pieces 32 of the base which is recessed out to bind the beveled sides of the units, and hold same tightly together. A raised hump 34 on which the fastening block 35 is mounted is provided in a central portion of the base. The latter is provided with a hole 36 for a bolt, and anchors 38 serve to hold the device directed in the highway. The external surfaces of the side pieces 32 are saw tooth to provide for incidental reection and illumination. As in the other forms, the contour of the surface parts is made so that vehicles may run readily over same Without injury to themselves or the device. The sawtooth form of the side pieces 32 taper towards the top rim of the sides. The vertical angle is bent backwards slightly to make the surfaces more effectively catch and reflect the light from the head-lamps approaching towards the devices.

The general operation of the device is brought about by light reflected from head lights or natural sources. The light strikes the saw tooth surfaces and lines of the symbol units and reflects same back towards the traveler. The attention of the latter is called to same and he acts accordingly. The units are removed -or changed readily at any time, by removing the central block, then pulling on the units, and sliding them out. their drivers read the signals and then proceed along over them as intended by the traffic requirements. The saw tooth surfaces have proven to be Very effective in this kind of reflection as they aord two surfaces on which the light can shine and be reflected, and assuring of positive identification from a considerable distance. They make lines of line appear to the eyes of the autoist as he drives along and are of a form that may be readily made into the symbols desirable for the purposes involved. 'I'he slight angles of the saw tooth form to the vertical and horizontal planes and serves to clean the surfaces of dirt and water or other items that might tend to diminish reflection. As the parts of the units are easily interchangeable, the repair of broken parts or their replacement with varied symbol types can be quickly arranged. When placed in position, the form of the contacting surfaces between units and base serves to provide for a very secure and tight attachment. The reliecting powers of the units serve to make use of the rays of light effectively and tends to keep the snow and ice melted therefrom. The direct rays of light and heat from the headlights added to the indirect reflected rays of light and heat, gives an accumulated heating effect which is more effective in this instance in melting lce and snow that lays on the device, than it would be if the surfaces did not reflect the light and heat waves back to the ice and snow. The ice and snow are translucent and therefore allow penetration of the external lights or reflections to the reflecting surfaces of the units underneath to produce the effects noted. In regard to the saw-tooth arrangement of the units, the apeXed shape is made of reflecting surfaces slanted back slightly from the vertical to catch and reflect the light from headlamps of approaching motor vehicles, and a horizontal, upper surface meeting at an obtuse angle.

As the vehicles come along the highway,

While several forms of the invention are shown in the drawings, it is not desired to limit this application to such specific forms or in any other way otherwise than limited by the scope of the appended claims, as it is appreciated that other constructions could be made using the same principles and coming within the scope of said claims.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed is:

1. In a highway signal device, the combination of a base having its bottom surface formed to rest uniformly on a highway, protuberances mounted on the upper portion of the base, said portuberance having their side surfaces disposed at an angle to the base to form dove-tail encompassing walls adjacent each other and converging towards the periphery of the base, refleeting units With tapered Walls formed to slide into the encompassing walls and be wedged therebetweenand a holding block arranged to fit into between the reflecting units and lock the in place in the protuberances.

2. In a highway signal device, the combination of a base adapted for attachment to the surface of a highway, a protuberance formed on the base having a plurality of slots therein of dove-tailed contour tapered towards the periphery of the base, a plurality of reflecting units having indicia outlines with external converging walls formed to fit closely within the slots and limit the movement towards the periphery of the base, and a holding block attachable to the base and adapted to wedge against portions of the units in the slots against removal.

3, In a highway signal of the class described, the combination of a base adapted to attach to the surface of a highway, said base having depressions formed in its external contour of dovetailed tapered form, a plurality of units with saw-toothed reflecting surfaces facing the peripheral portions of the base, and their external walls shaped to conform with and be closely embraced within the wall surfaces of the depressions and adapted to wedge into same, and means for pressing against the units to force them into closer contact with the surfaces of the depressions and prevent their withdrawal from the base.

4. In a highway signal of the class described, the combination of a base structure arranged for fastening to a highway bed, a plurality of partitions erected on the base with their wall surfaces arranged to converge interiorly upwards and form open compartments, a plurality of reiiector units having indicia outlines thereon of reflecting material and their side walls shaped to progressively and individually slide into one of the compartments and wedge in between the converging wall surfaces of the respective compartment and the base so as to be retained therein against removal in predetermineddirections, said units having their reflecting surfaces sawtooth in form and tilted angularly at angles cooperatively adapted to receive and reflect light coming from approaching headlights, a holding block with its faces angularly formed to fit in between the units and lock same to the base under a wedge-like action, and a bolt for pressing the block towards the base and against the units, substantially as described.

GI-IEEN RANDOLPH ABBOTT. 

